Speakers at the 32nd World Diamond Congress
June 01, 06
As the 32nd World Diamond Congress draws closer, organizers are beginning to release details about the program schedule and the main speakers at the event, which will be held in Tel Aviv from June 26 – 29.
Scheduled to speak so far are: Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of De Beers; Gareth Penny, managing director of De Beers, Varda Shine, DTC managing director; Alexander Nichiporuk, president of Alrosa; Robert A. Gannicott, chairman and CEO, Aber Diamond Company; and Thomas Moses, senior vice president, GIA.
Yair Sahar, chairman of the congress organizing committee, said that the speakers will each address issues of foremost importance to the world diamond community. "The congress will enable participants to hear directly from the leaders who impact today’s industry. It will provide an unusual opportunity to discuss the crucial issues we face as a community," he said.
One of the key issues on the agenda of the congress will be the enhancing of consumer confidence. The WFDB will launch its new quality mark at the congress, which will confirm that the user abides by the strict standards set out by the federation.
Also under discussion at the congress will be conflict diamonds and the Kimberley Process, anti-money laundering, treated and synthetic diamonds, and laboratory certification.
The congress will also feature an awards ceremony, where top diamond figures will be honored with special awards for their outstanding contribution to the global diamond community.
Sahar said that in addition to the in-depth discussions, congress organizers have prepared a full schedule of events, including gala dinners, performances by top Israeli stars, and an auction of magnificent rare jewelry and diamonds.